Your CEO is not your critic.

They might be your scariest internal customer.

Once I understood that, everything changed.

For years I walked into meetings with my ED ready to defend my portfolio. Why hadn't the gift closed. Why we were behind. Why the donor needed more time.

I left those meetings smaller. He left them more anxious. And the donor at the center of it had no idea any of it was happening.

Then I learned the move that changed my career.

I stopped reporting at my leader and started equipping my leader. ✨

One-page briefings. One donor story per meeting. A predictable rhythm of updates. A 45-minute alignment agenda I now use with every coaching client.

In this week's episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I walk through:

→ The empathy shift that changes the whole dynamic.

→ Four managing-up moves that work in 2026.

→ The exact briefing format and meeting agenda you can use this month.

If you've ever felt squeezed between donor reality and leadership expectations, this one is for you.

When was the last time you had a structured strategy meeting with your ED or CEO that you walked out of feeling good?

Listen, then share with one fundraiser or one nonprofit leader who needs it.

More from Tammy Zonker

Author of Calling All Heroes

Founder of Fundraising Transformed

President of Modern Institute for Charitable Giving

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